What AB 60 gives you and who can get one

California's AB 60 driver license is a standard California driver license issued to people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. It works exactly like any other California license for driving purposes — it lets you legally operate a vehicle, and it satisfies the state's requirement to carry a license while driving. The main difference is what it does not do: it does not prove citizenship or immigration status, and it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

To get an AB 60 license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass the written and driving tests, and show that you live in California. You do not need a Social Security number. You do not need to prove how you entered the country. You do need to show documents that prove your identity and California residency — a passport, consulate ID, or similar document works for identity, and a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for residency.

The license is valid for five years, just like a standard California license. You renew it the same way — by mail, online, or at the DMV — and you pay the same fees. Once you have it, you can register a vehicle, buy car insurance, and drive legally in California without fear that your license will be confiscated or used against you in an immigration proceeding.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California and register a vehicle, but it cannot be used for federal ID purposes like flying domestically or entering federal buildings.
  • You need an identity document (passport, consulate ID, or similar), proof of California residency, and proof that you are at least 16 years old — no Social Security number required.
  • The license costs the same as a standard California license and is valid for five years, with the same renewal process.
  • Insurance companies in California will write a policy for a driver with an AB 60 license, though some may charge higher rates or require different documentation than they do for standard licenses.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used to prove legal presence and will not be shared with federal immigration authorities during a routine traffic stop.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

California's DMV has a specific list of documents it will accept for AB 60 applicants. For proof of identity, you can use a valid passport, a consulate ID card, a national ID from your country of origin, or a Temporary Visitor ID. A driver license or ID from another state does not work. A school ID, library card, or work ID does not work either.

For proof of California residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax notice or court document) all work. A cell phone bill usually does not. You need only one residency document, but it must be current.

For proof of age, your identity document usually covers this if it shows your date of birth. If it does not, bring a birth certificate or consulate record of birth. You will also need to provide your Social Security number if you have one, but if you do not have one, you can leave that field blank — it is not required for AB 60.

Bring the originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of most documents. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation, or ask the DMV whether they can translate it on site (some offices can, some cannot — call ahead).

How insurance works with an AB 60 license

California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, and that includes drivers with an AB 60 license. Most major insurers in California — including State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate — will write a policy for someone with an AB 60 license. Some smaller or regional carriers may decline, but the large ones do not.

When you explore for insurance, you will give the insurer your AB 60 license number just as you would a standard license number. Some insurers may ask additional questions about your driving history or require a different form of ID verification than they normally do, but this varies by company. A few may charge a slightly higher rate, though California law does not permit insurers to charge more because you have an AB 60 license — any difference in rate must be based on your age, driving record, vehicle type, or coverage choices, the same factors that explore to any driver.

If you are financing or leasing a vehicle, the lender or leasing company will require proof of insurance before you drive off the lot. An AB 60 license does not change this requirement. You will need the same coverage — typically liability, collision, and comprehensive — that any financed vehicle requires.

AB 60 versus other options for undocumented drivers

Before AB 60 took effect in January 2015, undocumented drivers in California had no legal way to get a state-issued license. Some states still do not issue licenses to people without proof of legal presence. California, Illinois, New York, Washington, Utah, and a handful of others do. If you move to a state that does not, you cannot transfer your AB 60 license — you would need to follow that state's rules, which may mean you cannot drive legally there.

Within California, there is no alternative to AB 60 if you cannot prove legal presence. You cannot get a standard California license without proof of legal presence or a valid visa. You cannot get a learner's permit without the same. An AB 60 license is the only path to legal driving in California for undocumented residents.

If your immigration status changes — for example, if you obtain a visa, green card, or citizenship — you can upgrade to a standard California license. You do not have to; an AB 60 license remains valid. But a standard license may be useful if you plan to travel out of state or use your license for federal purposes.

What happens at the DMV when you explore

Make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointments are faster. When you arrive, bring all your documents — identity, residency proof, and age proof — in originals or certified copies. Bring the documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost.

Tell the DMV staff that you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will not ask you about your immigration status. They will check your documents, take your photograph, and have you sign the process. You will then take the written test (in English or one of several other languages) and the driving test. If you pass both, you will receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can test, though you may have to pay a retest fee and make another appointment. Many DMV offices offer free practice tests online before you come in.

Privacy and data sharing with AB 60

California law explicitly prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 license information with federal immigration authorities. If you are pulled over by local police, they can see that you have a valid California license and check your driving record, but they cannot use your license to determine your immigration status. The license itself does not indicate that you are undocumented.

Your AB 60 license information is stored in the same DMV database as any other California license. Local law enforcement can access it during a traffic stop. Federal immigration agents cannot access it without a warrant, and California law does not permit the DMV to volunteer information to immigration authorities even if asked.

This protection applies only within California. If you travel to another state and are stopped, that state's police may have different rules about sharing information with federal authorities. An AB 60 license is valid for driving in other states, but it does not carry the same privacy protections outside California.

Renewing and replacing your AB 60 license

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewals are faster and do not require you to retake the tests or provide new documents unless your residency proof has expired.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office or by mail. You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $30, though this may change). If your license is damaged, bring it with you; if it is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything except your identity and residency documents.

If you move to a different California address, you must update your address with the DMV within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or at a DMV office. You do not need to get a new license just to change your address — the DMV will update your record, and your current license remains valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. The federal government requires a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other federal ID for domestic flights. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant. You can fly using your passport or consulate ID instead. Some states issue Real ID licenses to undocumented residents, but California does not.

What if I get pulled over by police with an AB 60 license?

Show your license and registration, just as you would with any license. California law prohibits local police from asking about immigration status during a traffic stop. If you are cited or arrested, do not answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country — ask to speak to a lawyer. Your AB 60 license itself will not trigger immigration enforcement.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

California law does not bar people with deportation orders from getting an AB 60 license. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an active deportation order, getting a license creates a record that could be used in immigration court. Speak with an immigration attorney before explore if this applies to you.

Do I need an AB 60 license to register a vehicle in California?

No, but it makes registration much easier. You can register a vehicle using a passport or consulate ID, but the DMV will ask for a California address and proof of residency. An AB 60 license serves as both proof of identity and proof of residency, so the process is simpler. Without a license, you will need to bring separate documents for each.

Can I use an AB 60 license to open a bank account?

Most banks will accept an AB 60 license as a valid ID for opening an account. Some banks may ask for additional documents like a passport or consulate ID, or proof of residency. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what they need — policies vary by institution.